But he seemed to see.

He looked down and muttered, 'Safe--safe!' Beshrew me but I trow I have the secret now! The pixies' well--the hidden secret it guards so well.

All is true! all is true! Why did I not think of it before ?" Creeping to the side of the well, Cuthbert peered over the edge and gazed fixedly into the dark water.

What was it he saw?
Was that moonlight shining and glinting there; or was it--could it be--Hold, what is this?
With a stifled cry Cuthbert strove to spring to his feet; but the attempt was vain.

He was encircled in the bear-like grip of a pair of arms that were strong as bands of iron around him.